Publishing administration, in the context of the music industry, refers to the management and oversight of a songwriter’s or music publisher’s catalog of musical compositions.

It involves various activities and responsibilities aimed at ensuring that the music is properly licensed, royalties are collected, and the rights of the composers and songwriters are protected. Here are some key aspects of publishing administration:

Licensing and Permissions:

Publishing administration involves granting licenses for the use of musical compositions in various media, such as films, TV shows, commercials, video games, and live performances. This includes negotiating the terms of these licenses and ensuring that the appropriate permissions are obtained.

Royalty Collection:

One of the central functions of publishing administration is to collect royalties on behalf of the songwriters and composers. This includes performance royalties from radio, TV, and live performances, mechanical royalties from sales and streams, and synchronization royalties from music used in visual media.

Registration and Metadata:

Publishing administrators register musical works with performing rights organizations (PROs) and ensure that the relevant metadata, such as songwriter and composer information, is accurate and up-to-date. This is essential for tracking and distributing royalties accurately.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Publishing administrators monitor the usage of musical compositions across various platforms and outlets. They generate reports and statements to inform the songwriters about how their music is performing and the royalties earned.

International Royalty Collection:

For songwriters with a global audience, publishing administrators may collaborate with sub-publishers in foreign territories to ensure that royalties are collected worldwide. This involves understanding international copyright laws and royalty distribution practices.

Copyright Enforcement:

Publishing administrators work to protect the copyrights of musical compositions from unauthorized use or infringement. This may involve pursuing legal action against individuals or entities that violate these copyrights.

Creative Opportunities:

Publishing administrators actively seek new opportunities for the placement of songs in films, TV shows, advertisements, and other media. They may also assist in the creation of co-writing opportunities, helping songwriters collaborate with other artists.

Advances and Funding:

Publishing administrators may provide advances to songwriters against future royalties. These advances can be used for various purposes, such as funding new music projects or living expenses.

Publishing administration can be handled by music publishing companies, PROs, or specialized administration companies.

Songwriters and composers often enter into publishing administration agreements with these entities to ensure that their music is properly managed and that they receive the royalties they are entitled to for their creative work.